Eric Lewis>> Trombonist Jen Krupa and saxophonist Leigh Pilzer team up tonight at Twins Jazz to lead their quintet, JLQ. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> Cheick Hamala Diabate is recognized as one of the world’s masters of the ngoni, a traditional Malian instrument. Fresh off a performance at New Orleans’ JazzFest, he will perform tonight at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. Call 202-667-0088 for set time and cover information.
>> Blues man Tom Principato has been on the local scene for decades. Catch this veteran performer tonight at Blues Alley. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> The spacey As Human, an ensemble based out of Philadelphia, features members who have performed with the likes of Matisyahu, MMW, and Maceo Parker. Catch them on Thursday night at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. Call 202-667-0088 for set time and cover information.
>> Thursday marks the start of the Kennedy Center‘s 14th Annual Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival. For three nights, the Center will play host to world class performers, including Esperanza Spalding, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and may more. In addition to the ticketed marquis events (all sold out), the program includes free Millennium Stage performances.
>> Mike Stern always delivers great performances. See this guitar hero in the flesh this Thursday through Sunday at Blues Alley, along with all-star drummer Dave Weckl and bassist Tom Kennedy. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $35 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Jazz Night in Southwest hosts Three Stars alum Reginald Cyntje this Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. The group, calling itself the D.C. Jazz Collaborative, boasts the city’s finest, including pianist Allyn Johnson, trumpeter Kenny Rittenhouse, and others. $5
>> Janelle Gill is an incredibly talented local pianist who will be leading her own quartet this Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. The 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets will also feature up-and-coming vocalist Akua Kyerematin. Tickets are $15.
>> Pianist Eric Lewis gives rockstar performances that pack the house every time he plays HR-57. The ridiculously energetic performer, whose material ranges from standards to reconfigured alt-rock, will be playing this Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $15
